By Jacqueline Pernice

February 12, 2021

Yeah, I know, yet another Valentine’s Day is here. Look, I don’t blame you for dreading the day. February 14th is either your day to feel special or, it’s the day where you wish hell upon anyone in a relationship. 

  Valentine’s Day is the time for gifts, flowers, and candy to be exchanged between loved ones, all under the name of St. Valentine. Weird, right? The fable was that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. The Emperor at the time, Claudius II made the executive decision to ban marriage for young men. He believed that single men made better soldiers than those with families. As a priest, Valentine believed Claudius’s actions were unjust and continued to marry lovers in secret. When the Emperor found out, he ordered St. Valentine to be killed at once. He was beheaded outside of Rome, so I guess that’s that.

  I know Valentine’s Day certainly isn’t the ideal day for those who may not be in a relationship, but honestly, who cares? Either way, you can still make it fun. Whoever said that chocolate and flowers can only come from a lover? No one. Exactly.

  Valentine’s Day is still a holiday, so use it! You may as well treat yourself to a day of self-love and care – everybody needs a little. First things first, spa day! Pull out all the stops, starting with a nice bubble bath alongside a book of your choice, some candles, and maybe even a few chocolates. Maybe even throw a manicure and pedicure in there. Relationship or not, it’s always fun to throw on a good rom-com and just binge. Eat Pray Love is one of my favorite choices, following Julia Roberts as she travels the world, taking on each location independently, and finding her motivation and empowerment within the chaotically peaceful world surrounding her. 

  Now, if you are in a relationship, COVID-19 has certainly made this holiday quite the challenge. The normal go-to restaurants that you may be spending a magical date at are most likely closed down, solely takeout, or, if you’re lucky, outdoor dining only. Yeah, it’s sucky. But here in LA, creativity is always the answer. 

  If you’re looking for something adventurous, try a new restaurant around you. Pick up to-go from a nearby kitchen and do a picnic in the park. In Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, you can sit in the grass surrounded by Egyptian date palms and sweet bay trees. Not far away, you can also relax next to the koi ponds in the Doris Japanese Gardens. 

  Next up would be the recent comeback of the drive-in movie date. Drive-in movies are offered around LA, giving you a quarantine taste of that Hollywood glam. The Drive-in Theatre at the Hollywood Roosevelt has movie after movie lined up for this Valentine’s Day weekend. From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Casablanca, there is quite a variety.  

  Following the flower theme, The Huntington Gardens are the place to be, with 120 acres of themed gardens and plants to explore. Flowers are in full bloom, with the smell of peach, citrus, and blossoms in the air. However, you must still purchase tickets online ahead of time. 

  Last, but not least, plan an at-home date night with your own personal twist. Maybe do something you’ve always wanted to try together, do a cook-off, or do an online escape room. Your options are limitless with the internet at your fingertips, just be creative. 

  Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or something in between, make the best of it. Amidst the pandemic, there can still be those cherishable moments, it’s all up to you.